Egypt’s opposition rallies to demand Morsi’s ouster

AFP, CAIRO

Mon, Jul 01, 2013 - Page 1

Thousands of Egyptian President Mohamed Morsi’s opponents protested yesterday’s first anniversary of his inauguration, determined to oust him as his Islamist supporters vowed to defend his legitimacy to the end.

The army, which led a tumultuous transition after Mubarak’s ouster, has warned it will intervene if there is major unrest.

Since taking office, Morsi has battled with the judiciary, the media and the police. The economy has nosedived, investment dried up, inflation soared and the vital tourism sector battered.

On Saturday, at least eight deputies resigned from the Islamist-dominated Shura Council, in a boost for Tamarod, which says it now has 22 million signatures to its petition. The figure, which compares with the 13.2 million votes to 12.3 million by which Morsi won election last year, cannot be verified.

Morsi supporters are steadfast in defending his legitimacy.

Morsi’s opponents deny that removing him would be a “coup,” saying calls for his resignation are aimed at restoring the revolution’s cornerstones of democracy, freedom and social justice.